Sony Offering Playstation Protection Plan To Keep Hardware Healthy

Sony Computer Entertainment America has detailed the PlayStation Protection Plan, an extended service offer for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable). Under the new program, PS3 and PSP owners in the United States can purchase an extended service plan of one or two years that begins after the original one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty expires. PSP owners can also choose the Accidental Damage Plan, which adds coverage for cracked-screen damage in the event of an unexpected drop. The PlayStation Protection Plan offers peace of mind to consumers interested in enhanced coverage for a great value, along with the added security of knowing all services will be performed with the direct backing and support of SCEA as the original manufacturer.

The PlayStation Protection Plan is available to PS3 or PSP owners (both the PSP-3000 and PSPgo systems) who are still within their one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, as well as new purchasers. The PSP Accidental Damage Plan must be purchased within the first 30 days of owning a PSP system, and the plan is effective beginning on the purchase date. Starting this month, consumers can purchase the PlayStation Protection Plan by calling 1-866-716-7669.

With the PlayStation Protection Plan, consumers can extend the same coverage from the original manufacturer’s one-year warranty for one or two additional years. The pricing includes all shipping charges and repairs, which are performed by PlayStation-trained service technicians using official parts at SCEA-authorized repair facilities. The PlayStation Protection Plan is available beginning in May 2010 and will be priced competitively.

— PS3 – 1-year extension ($44.99) or 2-year extension ($59.99)
— PSP – 1-year extension ($29.99) or 2-year extension ($39.99)
— PSP with Accidental Damage – 1-year extension ($39.99) or 2-year
extension ($49.99)

“The PlayStation brand has long been synonymous with the highest quality in engineering and design, and it’s because of the reliability of the PS3 and PSP systems that we can offer the PlayStation Protection Plan,” said Glenn Nash, vice president, operations, SCEA. “We have heard from consumers that they’re interested in an extended service plan that’s backed directly by SCEA and leverages our technical expertise. While both the PS3 and PSP systems are designed with future-proof technology and built for long lifecycles, we’re looking forward to offering this service to consumers looking for added peace of mind.”

And for those of you interested, here is a list of what is not covered under the Playstation Protection Plan:

WHAT IS NOT COVERED:

• Rust, corrosion, insect infestation, mysterious disappearance, transport, environmental conditions such as sand or dirt.
• Any Product failure related to theft or burglary, loss, abuse, negligence, vandalism, acts of war, fire, weather related damage, unusual atmospheric conditions, or acts of God.
• Repairs to Product, including parts, or Product replacement covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, manufacturer’s recall, or similar manufacturer’s incentive or repair program (regardless of whether or not the manufacturer is doing business as an ongoing enterprise).
• Operational or mechanical failure of Your Product which is not reported to Us prior to expiration of this Service Plan.
• Normal maintenance, such as cleaning and/or customer education/training.
• Problems that existed in Your Product prior to the effective date of coverage under this Service Plan, which are known to You.
• Screen imperfections (if applicable) in Your Product such as “dead” or bright pixels within the manufacturer’s original service specifications.
• Products used commercially such as retail displays, rentals, leasing, or in arcade systems or other custom application.
• Damage caused by improper home wiring or grounding including external connections such as antennas or cable televisions.
• Damage to other connected devices such as televisions, monitors, receivers or other AV equipment.
• Damage due to spilled liquids or immersion of Product in liquid.
• Damage caused by non-approved or non-licensed peripherals or accessories.
• Repairs due to failures caused by the use of non-compatible, non-original equipped hard disks.
• Shipping or transportation damage, improper installation or setup, user facilitated minor adjustments and settings as outlined in the Product manual.
• Accidental damage not covered under the PLAYSTATION PROTECTION PLAN – ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE coverage.
• Accidental screen damage (only applicable to the PLAYSTATION PROTECTION PLAN).
• Intentional or incidental damage or gross neglect.